Otter declares disaster for soggy Bonner County

Idaho's governor has issued a disaster declaration to help Bonner County in northern Idaho deal with record rain and snowmelt that have damaged roads and triggered landslides.

Gov. Butch Otter approved the declaration this week.

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director Bill Shawver says record rainfall for the region created conditions ripe for wide scale damage to roads.

The Bonner County Daily Bee reports that crews are out clearing or replacing culverts across the county, removing fallen trees and patching and refilling holes in gravel roads. Officials estimate the damage to public infrastructure is nearing $1 million.

The disaster declaration can be used to help the county access government relief.